Novice Advice - Migrating DVR From Windows 11 To Ubuntu (Desktop)

Channels DVR Server
#1

Hi.

Currently running Channels on intel i5 NUC 8 (Windows 11). My recorings and media are stored on external hard drives attached via usb c hub. Still works great, but starting to show it's age. Just upgraded to a new mini pc and, being a beginner who's up for a challenge, I've decided to pull the trigger & run Unbuntu Desktop on my new pc. Ideally, I'd like to set up/run/test Channels on the new PC while my current setup is still running, before making the switch over complete - if that's even possible.

I've been reading up/researching quite a bit, but I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on best practices/what to watch out for/scenarios, etc. that - being a beginner with Unbuntu - I didn't even think of.

#2

First of all it is ubuntu not unbuntu. There are multiple flavors of ubuntu. Personally I recommend xubuntu as it is easier to setup remote access. I recommend you install openssh-server that way you can access the command line from a program like putty running on a windows system. Packages are installed via "apt-get" Also, while ubuntu supports ntfs it gets a little wonky with the file permissions. Instead I recommend ext4 or zfs. zfs is similar to software raid so for just one physical data drive use ext4. ubuntu does not mount additional drives automatically on boot. for that you are going to have to edit /etc/fstab. There are instructions on how to do that all over the internet so I am not going to get into that. I find docker is much more stable on ubuntu than on windows as it does not need wsl but others may argue that. If you have any additional questions feel free to post back and welcome to the linux community.

#3

Apologies for the typos. Thank you

#4

If you are not going to use the machine as a daily desktop to surf the internet ect. I would skip the “desktop” version and install the server version. If this machine is just strictly going to do channels and docker stuff go with server version.

Here is a link to a step by step tutorial for the server version.

#5

No need to apologize. We are here to help.

#6

(I guess) I went with Ubuntu Desktop because it seemed like the learning curve wouldn't be quite as steep coming from Windows 11.(?)

But your reply and link have now given me pause. My thanks for that. I may not know much. But I know enough to know I just can't do Windows anymore.

The new PC will just be for Channels and Plex. It's a Minisforum NAB9S 13th Gen i9. Should be delivered today. My recordings and media are on external hard drives (6TB & 24 TB respectively).

To be honest, my biggest area of concern/nerves is migrating my current Channels setup over to Ubuntu, connecting my drives, and migrating, my FastChannels Docker setup for Pluto. I've read up on it (I think) as much as I can, but nothing compares to actually doing it.

Ideally, I'd like to do all this & test it without messing up my current server before making the switch permanent.